More Than a Number: Reaching 21 Employees

By Bill Kenney

Focus Lab has never been about chasing numbers. Erik and I started Focus Lab with one thing in mind: building a company that people would be proud to be a part of.

For the past seven years we’ve worked hard to hone our crafts, elevate our offerings, expand our reach, and—without question most importantly—build a team. A diverse yet unified team. Because nothing is more important than the people you surround yourself with.

Each year races by, giving us an opportunity to reflect. Each time I’m amazed and humbled by the team that continues to form around us. We’ve intentionally walked the path of the tortoise, growing slowly year by year. The goal hasn’t been to reach a certain head count. With each new team member we get unquestionably stronger, both in our professional and personal lives. Each individual brings new talents, ideas, and energy. People join Focus Lab for the values, quality of work, and, more often than not, the team. I couldn’t have imagined that our team would become the magnetic pull, outpacing our work in attracting people to us. But it’s fitting, because it is in the DNA of the company. Our highest core value is people.

Although we haven’t been chasing a head count, I can tell you that team member #21 feels like a considerable milestone. A milestone that I will embrace for the moment. Recalling all the things we’ve learned, mountains we’ve climbed, our victories, and our losses. If you asked me seven years ago, “How big do you want your team to be?” I would have had a simple answer. I would have told you, “I'm not sure, but I’m excited to see how it pans out.” Seven years later and 21 team members strong, my answer would be the same. But with a more confident smile on my face, knowing that the journey forward with the team we have now should be one hell of a ride.